Hi Mark and y'all
New to Cliosport and no longer an RS driver! Had my first RS, 172PhI when they were released in 2000, then a 197, R26, RS250 and back to a 197 (my favourite) when both THE and my economy began to take a downturn a couple of years back. Then got so stretched by the expensive fuel, low mileage returns, and (suspected imminent) repair bills on the 197, decided to throw in the towel last February and got a new 1.0L Fiesta Zetec on a two year Options deal.
Hadn't had a Ford since a MkIII Escort 1.3 and then Orion 1.6i back in 84. I was gobsmacked by the Fiesta. Hadn't had as much fun since the 172. Things had certainly moved forward in both quality and delivery. Loved the power, the gearing, the build quality, the economy, the chassis... everything really.
I'd given myself all sorts of justifications as to why I was maybe too old and sensible to drive a hot hatch anymore, but on the way home the other night, and having become aware of the amazing reception that the ST2 has had, and work picking up again, I thought f** it - and dropped into the dealership.
O my goodness. Orange one sitting in the showroom. Could I break the Options agreement and have one of those? Yes I could. I didn't give the orange one a second glance. My mind rejected anything so loud and ostentatious. Blue one please. Done. Order in. Delivery? March/April... May even? OK. It's certainly worth waiting for.
Then I came across this thread. Jaw dropping. To hear how even RS Clio owners have embraced this car.
Straight back to the dealership. Order cancelled. I'll have that one there please. The orange one. Right there.
Done. Picking it up Saturday morning. Woo f***ing hoo. Christmas has come early. Any arguments at the Xmas dinner table and I'm off!
Thanks Mark!